I have that problem and it’s still a problem for me but what I’ve found that sort of works is to keep a to do list of all the shit I need to do. Kind of like a bulet journal but less complicated. If someone asks me to do something then instead of immediately jumping on it (unless it’s an emergency) I put it on the list. Then when I am working on something and it stresses me out to the point I am reaching for my phone I move to a different item on the list instead (sometimes). When I finish something or review the list and see a bunch of things crossed off it also gives me a little mood bump. Also keeping my phone in my bag instead of within reach and just listening to podcasts or whatever on my wireless buds helps.
None of this is a perfect solution but it did help a bit. Usually if I can get myself in a groove I can power through several items and make up the time I lost dicking around so having a list ready is handy for that as well.
How do you manage between difficult and simple tasks? And Do you do the simple items first or the tough ones?
I’ve found myself of two minds about this.
Completing smaller simpler tasks feels fulfilling in that moment and helps boost productivity but doesn’t feel so good from a broader look back at them.
Whereas finishing difficult tasks feels really good but they can sometimes keep going on and on and on and feel never ending. They might take up a whole day and in that I might miss the small tasks.
I manage them mostly by timeline. At any given time I have 15-20 things going I need to get done so whatever is due next gets priority. Unless it’s something difficult and I’m having trouble getting my brain to go into gear I will switch tracks and do the next item down that I’m able to knock out quickly. I also try to break larger things into small tasks. So instead of “xxxx deployment”. It’s schedule XXXX planning meeting with customer, get quote, get PO, document site, and so on. With things getting added as they come up.
I can’t really speak to the rest of your comment because nothing I do ever really gives me any kind of lasting good feeling, other than having it off by back if it had been stressing me out. Sometimes that is impetus enough to focus and get something done though.
I have that problem and it’s still a problem for me but what I’ve found that sort of works is to keep a to do list of all the shit I need to do. Kind of like a bulet journal but less complicated. If someone asks me to do something then instead of immediately jumping on it (unless it’s an emergency) I put it on the list. Then when I am working on something and it stresses me out to the point I am reaching for my phone I move to a different item on the list instead (sometimes). When I finish something or review the list and see a bunch of things crossed off it also gives me a little mood bump. Also keeping my phone in my bag instead of within reach and just listening to podcasts or whatever on my wireless buds helps.
None of this is a perfect solution but it did help a bit. Usually if I can get myself in a groove I can power through several items and make up the time I lost dicking around so having a list ready is handy for that as well.
How do you manage between difficult and simple tasks? And Do you do the simple items first or the tough ones?
I’ve found myself of two minds about this.
Completing smaller simpler tasks feels fulfilling in that moment and helps boost productivity but doesn’t feel so good from a broader look back at them.
Whereas finishing difficult tasks feels really good but they can sometimes keep going on and on and on and feel never ending. They might take up a whole day and in that I might miss the small tasks.
Thanks for your reply.
I manage them mostly by timeline. At any given time I have 15-20 things going I need to get done so whatever is due next gets priority. Unless it’s something difficult and I’m having trouble getting my brain to go into gear I will switch tracks and do the next item down that I’m able to knock out quickly. I also try to break larger things into small tasks. So instead of “xxxx deployment”. It’s schedule XXXX planning meeting with customer, get quote, get PO, document site, and so on. With things getting added as they come up.
I can’t really speak to the rest of your comment because nothing I do ever really gives me any kind of lasting good feeling, other than having it off by back if it had been stressing me out. Sometimes that is impetus enough to focus and get something done though.
Ahh I see. Thanks.